In the face of adversity, few exemplify resilience like young Emily Carter. Born with a serious congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Emily’s journey has been marked by countless medical appointments and hospital admissions. Now, at just seven years old, she faces her most challenging battle yet. Tragically, her family is confronted with the heart-wrenching choice of plunging into debt or seeking treatment far from home, away from the support of their loved ones.
Emily’s ordeal began last month when her parents noticed alarming changes in her health. They rushed her to OHSU Dornbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Just ten days later, her condition necessitated an airlift to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford in California. Unfortunately, her health declined rapidly, and she was readmitted to the Stanford ICU. Her parents received devastating news: due to her weakened state and nutritional challenges, she was no longer a candidate for a heart transplant evaluation.
In a candid update on June 8th, Emily’s mother shared the heartbreaking details. “Emily battled three infections, and her kidneys had ceased functioning,” she wrote. “Nurses were visibly emotional, offering hugs as we were told we might only have hours left with her. Since then, Emily has not shown signs of recovery, despite the highest level of medical intervention. The doctors indicate that she isn’t responding as hoped.”
As her parents devoted time to be by her side, they also grappled with the financial strain of caring for Emily and their other children. The costs of travel, gas, and new tires for their numerous trips between Oregon and California added to their burdens. Emily and her family longed to return to OHSU, where they could receive comfort care surrounded by friends and family. However, this transition came at a staggering cost of approximately $65,000—an amount that exceeds the annual income for many American families, as the U.S. Census reported a median household income of $55,775 in 2015.
The exorbitant costs of medical care are overwhelming, yet the emotional toll of watching a child suffer is even more profound. Families shouldn’t have to navigate the additional stress of crippling medical bills while caring for a gravely ill child. In a country where financial relief often hinges on fortunate circumstances or the generosity of others, many families find themselves in desperate situations, even with health insurance.
Returning home uplifted the family’s spirits as they witnessed their community rallying around them. “Emily’s dad, Mark, and her siblings returned safely home early this morning,” the family announced on June 10th. “They felt incredibly blessed to see pink ribbons adorning the trees in their neighborhood.”
Now, the family’s immediate focus is on supporting Emily’s recovery, hoping she can be discharged to her own home for comfort care. They are leaning on their faith as they take this journey one day at a time. In a touching moment, Mark shared how he listened to worship music with Emily in the hospital. “She asked me what a miracle is,” he recounted. “I told her it’s when God does something beyond human capability. She replied, ‘Like my heart?’ To which I said, ‘Exactly that.’”
To assist the Carter family during this challenging time, a fundraising page has been established. You can find more about their journey and support them through this link: Make a Mom.
In summary, the story of Emily Carter highlights the severe challenges families face when dealing with insurmountable medical expenses. The emotional and financial burdens can be unbearable, yet the love and support from the community can bring hope during such dire times. For more information about resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting ACOG for valuable insights and guidance.